Wednesday 4th July 2012
Hello, darling readers!
I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, writing to you live from the magical metropolis that is Milan, Italy. Today, I’m going to talk about ballet, shopping, street style, and everything fabulous about this vibrant city!
As many of you know, I recently made a life-altering decision to pack my pink tutu, my trusty pointe shoes, and all my favourite dresses into a suitcase, and jet off on a journey of self-discovery. This is the adventure of a lifetime, and I’m going to embrace every single moment, every pink gelato, every stunning opera house, every breathtaking ballet, every chic boutique, and every charming cafe with a smile. And a twirl, of course!
This week, Milan has truly captivated me with its intoxicating blend of culture and fashion. There’s a real sense of energy here, and I just love that it's buzzing with life, even when I’m wandering down quieter, cobblestone side streets. The city just whispers excitement in my ear!
Yesterday, I started my day by stepping off the train at the Milano Centrale station. The grand old building is so majestic it took my breath away. This train station is truly an architectural masterpiece, with its vaulted ceilings, grand staircases and intricate stonework. It makes me feel like I'm a character in a historical novel, maybe a ballerina from a bygone era on her way to a grand gala!
I couldn't resist taking a quick selfie in front of the iconic facade. If I'm going to do Milan in style, I'm definitely not leaving the tutu behind! Let's just say the people at the train station had some interesting looks on their faces. My favourite response was, “Bellissima, ragazza!” They might not have fully grasped the concept of Pink Tutu Milan, but I’m here to spread the message – one sparkly pink tulle tutu at a time!
After grabbing a pastry and a cappuccino at the train station cafe, I hopped onto a vintage tram and let the city's beauty wash over me. The charm of the trams never fails to lift my spirits. There’s something so wonderfully old-world about their gentle rumble and the way the windows seem to vibrate as they trundle along the streets. This morning, I found myself humming a melody as the trams swayed back and forth through the sunny streets, weaving through elegant buildings with balconies draped in flowers. It's a perfect city for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere.
Dance Inspiration at the Teatro alla Scala
Milan is renowned for its opera, and my excitement has been reaching a fever pitch this week as I've finally managed to secure tickets for a performance at the iconic Teatro alla Scala! Known worldwide as one of the greatest opera houses, the sheer opulence and the history of this magnificent theatre is mind-blowing. The grandeur is simply incredible! And to think I'll be right here in the stalls, witnessing some of the world's finest singers perform amidst the grandeur! It's simply magic.
But, before I can indulge in the beauty of opera, I’ve got to do some ballet research! One of the reasons I came to Milan is to discover more about its dance history and maybe catch a glimpse of the local dance scene. The sheer artistic depth of the city's culture has already made a huge impact on me. And while the operatic masterpieces on offer at the Teatro alla Scala are captivating, there's a unique appeal about the ballet performances here. I've been devouring books about the La Scala ballet company and its legacy. There's a legacy of excellence that is awe-inspiring!
There’s a really great little bookstore just around the corner from my charming B&B, and I've spent a good few hours browsing the art and dance sections, collecting stories about famous ballerinas from the past, trying to piece together the history of dance in Italy. In Milan, it seems like ballet is part of the fabric of the city. You see young girls in their pink tutus on their way to dance lessons and you hear the lively music coming from the academies all through the week.
I couldn't resist going to the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery, where I was entranced by the artwork on display and completely lost in a world of beauty.
From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, I spent hours in a reverie of creativity, surrounded by history and artistry. But the masterpiece I connected with most was a painting titled “La Primavera.” It shows three women in a soft landscape – they are so beautiful and graceful, it’s almost like a scene from a ballet, except with a static pose, and with beautiful swirling drapery around the figures. And, to top it all off, one of them is actually wearing pink! The way the light catches the fabric and casts a soft, glowing colour, it felt incredibly meaningful to me! It was almost as if the artist was trying to convey the feeling of freedom, grace, and elegance that are the hallmarks of both art and ballet. It's funny how our imaginations take over.
The Power of Street Style in Milan
What makes Milan truly spectacular is the blend of old and new, with history sitting alongside the very latest in fashion. The cobbled streets are teeming with captivating street style – this is, after all, the fashion capital of Italy! It’s fascinating to watch as fashion-forward people strut around in their amazing outfits – their shoes, their bags, the way they combine colours and textures, is all so effortlessly stylish! There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to the Milanese style. I see lots of chic hats, tailored blazers, high heels, and a real confidence that seems to emanate from the streets themselves! And let's be honest – there are no fashion rules in Milan! There are simply individuals who choose their own style and who love to express their creativity and their sense of self!
The sheer amount of beautiful people I see wandering the streets here, makes me think Milan has to be the most glamorous city on earth. And then I take a closer look at them and see they have a certain laid back, understated chic, like the Milanese have this unique ability to look effortless without sacrificing a single ounce of sophistication.
In fact, my mission for this week is to explore Milan's street style and share my findings. As I always say, every girl deserves a little glamour in her life!
So, today, I've set myself a challenge. I'm going to take my trusty pink tutu to Milan’s trendiest districts and snap some photos with fellow fashionistas – just me, my pink tutu, and all the style queens of Milan! We’ll see what happens. Maybe some will get my idea and we’ll start a pink tutu movement right here in the city of fashion. Who knows what I might get up to this afternoon!
As for me, I’m going to grab some Italian food from the market, make my way to the most charming little cafes in town, try and work my magic with those fabulous street-style Milanese women, and see if we can make the streets sparkle just a little bit with some extra tulle! After that, it's time to get all dressed up for the opera, which should be absolutely breathtaking!
If you're a fashion enthusiast, or you have a little bit of Pink Tutu Milan in your heart, I encourage you to pack your bags, grab your most fabulous frock, and head straight for the city of fashion! And please do tell me in the comments below:
- Where's your favourite place to go for street style inspiration?
- Do you enjoy a visit to the opera, or to ballet shows?
- What's your go-to look for a stylish day in the city?
I can't wait to read your comments!
See you back here next week for another slice of Pink Tutu Milan. Until then, stay chic, and twirl with passion!
Emma xx
